Direct sales and planning in peri-urban spaces[Vente directe et organisation de l'espace périurbain]

In French publications, peri-urban spaces are considered major loci for direct sales activities. It can be seen on the spot that those places do receive many projects of this kind. From a theoretical point of view, multifunctionality in peri-urban spaces (place functions, play functions, production functions, protection functions) is in tune with the profile of direct sales activities. All stakeholders in planned space organization thus insist on the weight they should acquire. But there is a huge gap between intentions and statements on the one hand, and on the other hand achievements that remain quite shy. It appears that decisions upon concrete measures and fulfilments need a deep reflection about the agricultural model. But this kind of shared construction is rich in potential conflicts, at it threatens established powers, including the one of organization that claim to hold a monopoly on expertise in agriculture. Conflicts can be seen as a resource for progress, under the condition of a negotiated frame that can turn them beneficial for the community. It belongs to local powers to implement new tools of governance in order to facilitate the birth of community projects (territory is used in French instead of community for a similar meaning), with the participation of manifold actors. They have to use innovative tools to think the planning of the town linked to its neighbour territories, and to aim at a new definition of what is professional excellence in agriculture, in the context of peri-urbanity.